Another Draw For Berko

BERKHAMSTED 1 BEDFORD TOWN 1

A head on from Max Farrelly was only partially cleared and Jamie Greygoose, the keeper did well to parry a 25-yard drive from Josh Chamberlain, but ace goal poacher Lewis Toomey (pictured) was on hand to net the loose ball. Sam Doolan nearly doubled the lead with a shot that ex-Comrade Will Summerfield kicked off his own line. Bedford equalised in the 8th minute with a 30-yard low shot into the bottom corner from Dan Walker that gave the keeper no chance.

A 30-yard drive from Matt Cooper was blocked as Berko played some good football in the first half. Greygoose used his legs to keep out a pile driver from Sam Doolan. Summerfield whipped the ball fast right across the 6-yard box, but nobody got on the end of it. At the other end Ben Spaul had a shot blocked.

Farrelly got a booking for an old-fashioned sliding tackle to win the ball, although the Bedford player was actually ruled offside and the free kick went to Berko. Oh for the simpler days when referees blew the whistle and the linesman flagged for offside as soon as a pass was made. It was to prove expensive as Berko were reduced to 10 men on the hour when Farrelly got a second yellow card. His offence this time was to handle the ball when he was pushed over and apparently expecting a free kick to be given in his favour.

Those who assumed that the Eagles would go on to win were surprised to see that The Comrades dug in well. Midfielder Lucas Kirkpatrick came on for his debut and the former Braintree Town captain gave a good account with smart passes and positional sense. Both sides had chances to hit a winner and clinch three points but the finishing was lacking. Full Scotland International Craig Mackail-Smith came off in the second half and former Kettering striker Rene Howe was introduced.

Both sides had appeals for penalties but the referee played on. Alie Bangura got past his man a few times but the winning goal would not come. It is the first time Berko have come away from Bedford without a win but being down to 10 men they were content to settle for a point.

Berko: Comas-Leon; Neufville, Cooper, Farrelly, Spaul (C Toomey), Doolan, Briggs, Chamberlain (Kirkpatrick), L Toomey, Witham, Bangura. Subs not used - Lopes, Murphy & Verney.

On Saturday, Berkhamsted begin a run of three home league games in 10 days. On Saturday, Coleshill Town come to Broadwater. Berko then have a home derby to look forward to against Aylesbury United on Tuesday 6th and take on much improved Wantage Town on Saturday 10th October. Berko continue to accept traditional ticket sales on the day, but have introduced new track and trace procedures. The new NHS app can now be used at Broadwater, or for those with older phones the evePASS download can be used. It is still acceptable to instead submit name and phone numbers or e-mail details on paper, either by handing them in at the turnstile or signing the book in the Berko clubhouse. Masks must be worn to enter the clubhouse under the latest change of rules.

Berkhamsted Comrades go to MK Gallacticos on Saturday afternoon in in Spartan South Midlands Division 2. This Sunday afternoon, in the eastern Junior Alliance the under 14s are at home to Cockfosters, whilst the under 15’s go to Potters Bar Town.